Common use

Symmetrel is an antiviral medication which used to prevent or treat certain influenza infections. Symmetrel blocks the actions of viruses in your body. This drug is also used for treatment Parkinson's disease and "Parkinson-like" symptoms, including stiffness and shaking.

Dosage and direction

Take it orally with a full glass of water. Swallow whole, do not crush it. Use Symmetrel at the same time each day for best result. The usual dosage of Symmetrel is 100 to 200 mg daily, it depends from your body weight. Also the recommended adult dose varies according to the condition being treated.
Treatment of Parkinson's disease: the recommended adult dose is 100 mg once daily to start.
Treatment and prevention of influenza A infections: the recommended dose for adults and children 13 years of age and older is 200 mg daily.
To prevent influenza A infections: Symmentrel should be taken before or after contact with a infected person and continued for 10 days after contact with him.
It's very necessary to consult with your doctor before using. It help you to get best results.

Precautions

Symmetrel can exacerbate symptoms in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders or substance abuse.
Patients with a history of epilepsy should be monitored closely, as well as patients with a history of congestive heart failure, peripheral edema, eczematoid rash, or renal impairment.
Do not recommend in patients with untreated angle closure glaucoma.
Do not use alcohol during the treatment by Symmetrel.
Symmetrel should not be used during pregnancy, becoming pregnant or lactating without doctor's advice.

Contraindications

Symmetrel is not allowed to people who are hypersensitive to any components of this medicine. Contraindicated in case of individuals subject to convulsions or if your medical history include gastric ulceration, severe renal disease. Contraindicated in pregnancy.

Possible side effect

Possible side effects may include all types of an allergic reaction.
Also the most possible side effects include: feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; swelling, rapid weight gain; feeling depressed, agitated, or aggressive; behavior changes, hallucinations, thoughts of hurting yourself; urinating less than usual or not at all; high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, rapid breathing, feeling like you might pass out; restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck; or tremor (uncontrolled shaking).
Less serious side effects include: dizziness, drowsiness, headache; sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams; feeling nervous; nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite; dry mouth, dry nose; or loss of balance or coordination.
If you experience one of them stop using Symmetrel and tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also consult with your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual.

Drug interaction

Symmetrel interact with the following drugs: atropine; dicyclomine; glycopyrrolate; hyoscyamine; mepenzolate; methscopolamine; propantheline; scopolamine; quinine; quinidine; a diuretic such as triamterene, hydrochlorothiazide, and others; or phenothiazines such as prochlorperazine, thioridazine, and others.
Also note that interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. As usual it affects the effect of drugs, so consult with your doctor about how it interactions should be managed.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

Symptoms of Symmetrel overdose may include: fever, anxiety, severe headache, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, aggression, personality changes, tremor, problems with balance or walking, fast or uneven heart rate, urinating less than usual or not at all, trouble breathing, seizure (convulsion), or fainting. If you experience one of them call your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C), away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.